Mechanical Engineering Technical Lead System Integration

About Advantest

Advantest America Inc. is part of Advantest Corporation, the world's largest provider of automated test equipment (ATE) for the semiconductor industry. The company designs and manufactures cutting-edge testing solutions that help semiconductor manufacturers ensure the quality and performance of their products. Advantest is known for innovation, reliability, and a strong commitment to supporting its customers and employees. Our Purpose & Values: Mission: Improve lives through advanced technologies and customer-focused innovation. Vision: Be the most trusted and valued test solution provider in the semiconductor value chain. Core Values: I- Innovation is our Lifeblood N- Number One is Our Aspiration T- Trust is our Foundation E- Empowerment is Our Motivation G- Global is our Reach R- Respect is our Heart I - Inclusion and Diversity is Our Commitment T- Teamwork is our Approach Y- Yes is Our Attitude Why Join Us At Advantest, innovation starts with people. We're looking for curious, capable, and collaborative individuals ready to shape the future of semiconductor technology. You'll join a global team where your ideas are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a real impact. We foster an integrity-centered culture, where honesty, inclusion, and respect are the foundation of everything we do.

Job Description

Job Overview

Advantest America, a leading Semiconductor Test and Measurement Company, is seeking innovative and self-driven individuals to join our US Research & Venture Team. This team is part of a global initiative to integrate advances in electrical, mechanical, thermal, software, and AI/Machine Learning technologies into our test and measurement solutions across the semiconductor value chain.

We are seeking a highly experienced Mechanical Engineer to perform a broad range of complex engineering functions related to the design, testing, and evaluation of mechanical, optical, and thermal systems for semiconductor testing. This includes systems with semiconductors, photonics, and embedded devices. As a Mechanical Engineering Lead on the Research & Venture Team you will work collaboratively with other Advantest technology groups, Business Units, partners, and suppliers to develop and integrate advanced mechanical technologies into Advantest's automated test systems.

Your responsibilities will include conducting feasibility studies, developing engineering prototypes and testing new and modified designs. You will be assigned independent mechanical design projects, allowing for innovation and technical leadership. You will be involved in product development teams, providing direction and training to junior staff and contractors. Additionally, you may address field issues and provide guidance to field teams.

This position is based at our headquarters in San Jose, CA, and requires periodic travel for customer visits and collaboration.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Develop and implement mechanical engineering designs for new semiconductor test systems and components, including cooling solutions for electronics.
• Perform mechanical and thermal design and analysis of components such as sockets, interposers, heat sinks, and pedestals.
• Conduct integration testing, qualifications, and hands-on evaluation of prototype systems and sub-assemblies.
• Create and manage test specifications and evaluation protocols, initiate engineering change order requests.
• Interpret functional test results and present findings to senior technical staff.
• Present designs during design and customer reviews.
• Collaborate with manufacturing, quality assurance, and technical support teams to establish functional specifications and select suppliers for components and assemblies.
• Provide guidance to lower-level staff, recommending and designing innovations, improved methods, tools, and processes.
• Participate in the preparation of patent applications and memos of invention for trade secrets.
• Act as a customer contact on selective technical matters and analyze customer requirements.
• Identify risk areas and optimization opportunities.
• Take on project ownership and management; determine technology requirements and develop strategies.
• Drive design completion, provide design inputs, and work closely with external technology partners on projects.
• Create test plans, procure necessary collaterals, and oversee test execution.
• Maintain project schedules, including keeping the Gantt chart current and ensuring effective handoffs to Applications, Design, and Manufacturing.
• Conduct top-level tolerance analysis and function as an expert consultant when needed.
• May be assigned independent mechanical design projects and all other duties and tasks as required.

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• BS in Mechanical, Thermal, or Physics; MS in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
• BS + 10 years min or MS + 7 years min in the Semiconductor Test industry, semiconductor capital equipment or high-technology environments.
• Experience working in cross-functional teams developing test systems with electrical and software components.
• Expertise with automation: pick and place handlers, handler kits, design trade-offs
• Expertise with mechanical chassis, rack design and integration to house Electrical and Optical devices
• Proficient in SolidWorks and other CAD toolsets; SolidWorks simulation experience required.
• Strong background in thermal systems, including conducting and convection-based mechanisms.
• Knowledge of heat transfer basics, computational fluid dynamics, FEA basics.
• Experience in thermal simulation and analysis.
• Familiarity with FMEA, and tolerance analysis (Worst case, RSS, etc.).
• Strong analysis and synthesis capabilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, alongside strong interpersonal and organizational abilities.
• Competent in multitasking, prioritizing, and managing time effectively.
• Ability to travel as required.

Desired

• MS in Mechanical, Thermal, or Physics.
• Experience with Designing Compact Mechanisms
• Experience with electronic packaging, testing, and integrating thermal systems into automated handling.
• Experience in WindChill PLC is desirable.
• Expertise in working with heaters, Peltier technology, heatsinks, sockets, two-phase cooling, cryogenics, and designing systems for condensation abatement and airflow uniformity.
• Experience with designing, certifying, and deploying semiconductor capital equipment.
• Understanding of AIS manufacturing capabilities and methods.
• Ability to work in cross-functional teams building complex test systems with motion control hardware, electrical, and software components.
• Intermediate software skills, including experiment instrumentation and execution (meters, power supplies, IR camera, force, etc.).
• Ability to read, write, and speak Japanese.

Benefits Overview

• Global Bonus Program: Performance-based bonuses paid twice yearly. 401(k) Plan: Pre-tax retirement savings with company match. Medical, Dental & Vision: Multiple plan options including HMO, PPO, and HSA. Income Protection: Life, disability, and accident insurance at no cost. Flexible Spending Accounts: Healthcare and dependent care options. Employee Assistance Program: Free support for personal and work-related issues. Flexible Time Off: Accrual starts at hire, increases with service. * Paid Holidays: 13 company holidays annually.

Field of Activity

Research & Development

Salary Range

Bay Area Target Salary Range $133,550 - $206,400 DOE The actual base pay offered will depend on factors such as relevant experience, skills, qualifications, geographic location, market data, and internal equity. Compensation decisions are made individually based on the specific role and candidate. Typically, new hires are not placed at the top of the salary range upon hire. In addition to base salary, Advantest provides a competitive total rewards package that may include bonus opportunities, health and welfare benefits, retirement programs, paid time off, and other company-sponsored benefits.

State of California Development

State of California Development (EDD):

• https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-41/subtitle-B/chapter-60/part-60-300#p-60-300.5(a)
• § 60-300.5(a)(2)(3)(4) Equal opportunity clause. Details the job posting requirements.
• § 60-300.5(a)(6) Equal opportunity clause. All employment openings includes all positions except executive and senior management, those positions that will be filled from within the contractor's organization, and positions lasting three days or less. This term includes full-time employment, temporary employment of more than three days' duration, and part-time employment.

CCPA Notice for California Residents:

Notice for California Residents: We collect personal information (PI) from you in connection with your application for employment with Advantest America, Inc., including some or all of the following categories of PI: identifiers and personal records (e.g., name, phone number, email address, employment history); commercial information (e.g., if we reimburse you for travel or other expenses during the application process); sensory information (e.g., recorded virtual interviews); professional or employment information (e.g., information provided in your resume and application, such as employment history); non-public education records (e.g., educational institution transcripts and records); and inferences drawn from the above categories of PI. We collect your PI for our purposes, including performing operations related to your potential employment. To view the Advantest Privacy Policy, visit https://www.advantest.com/privacy-policy.html. For additional details or if you have questions, contact us at AAI_privacy.officer@advantest.com.

EEO Statement

EEO Statement Advantest is an Equal Opportunity Employer and embraces diversity in our employee population. It is the policy of Advantest to provide equal opportunity to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or special disabled veteran, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. The Advantest Way - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging At Advantest, diversity, equity and inclusion are at the core of who we are. We are continuing to build a culture where everyone feels a sense of belonging through our DE&I programs & initiatives. We strive to have a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace to enable us to attract and retain candidates that feel a sense of purpose and empowerment. Our commitment to DE&I is unwavering and we are steadfast in our mission to continuously foster an environment of respect, trust and transparency. We value diversity and inclusion and believe employees of all backgrounds contribute to our ongoing success. At Advantest, we celebrate and support the needs of our employees regardless of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, age, disability, gender (including gender expression and gender identity), sex and sexual orientation. DE&I at Advantest is more than words to us, they are the Advantest Way.